No Means Maybe? Latest Scruggs Filings

Two new filings Wednesday in the US v. Scruggs bribery case seek reversal of prior rulings: Sidney Backstrom’s Renewed Motion for Severance, previously denied by US District Judge Neal Biggers on February 26 (here) and all three defendants’ Motion to Reconsider the Anonymous Jury Order, which was granted to the prosecution by Judge Biggers on March 6 (here). The Backstrom motion argues that the reason for the anonymous jury and the 404(b) evidence to be introduced against Dickie and Zach Scruggs are connected the US v. Wilson case and will prejudice Backstrom’s right to a fair trial by association. The joint motion argues that the decision to allow an anonymous jury is based on “mere allegations or inferences” — an argument already rejected by Biggers. h/t folo.